Struggle for the Airspace: Unexpected Drone Attack on Ukrainian Air Force Base

An unmanned surveillance UAV appeared unexpectedly over the Ukrainian air base in Myrhorod in early July. Minutes later, after it had transmitted target data to a Russian base, a salvo of ballistic missiles struck the airfield, as described by Ukrainian officials. “The first strike was so powerful that even our windows shook,” said Valeria Minenko (21), who lives near the air base in Myrhorod, in the central part of Ukraine. This attack was only one event in a long series of relentless Russian assaults in recent months. “Now they are constantly firing missiles at the air base,” added Minenko. Russia continues to use surveillance drones to exploit gaps in Ukrainian air defense systems and carry out sophisticated attacks on Ukrainian positions. Russia's air superiority along certain front sections allows for daily bombardments with hundreds of precision-guided bombs, facilitating slow but costly advances of ground troops. The Ukrainian strategy entails countering Russia with the help of long-awaited F-16 fighter jets from the West, which are expected to be operational by summer. However, the attacks on Ukrainian air force bases underline Russia's determination to mitigate the impact of these aircraft even before their deployment. They also bring to light the challenges Ukraine faces as it prepares for the introduction of the advanced jets. Ukraine hopes that the F-16 fighter jets, equipped with state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems and additional weaponry, can be deployed in coordination with other Western weapon systems such as the Patriot air defense system. The aim is to expand the airspace so that it becomes too dangerous for Russian pilots. Additionally, the jets are intended to provide an extra layer of protection for Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure against relentless missile and drone attacks.